"Associate Director, Strategic Communications (Research)"

Job no: 0062494

Location: Parkville

Role type: Full-time; Continuing

Department: Advancement, Communications & Marketing

Salary: SM1 competitive salary plus 17% super

• Strategic communications leader enabling research translation and impact
• Brilliant benefits and a flexible hybrid work environment!

About the Role

This high-impact leadership role is instrumental in safeguarding and elevating the University's global reputation. Reporting to the Director, Strategic Communications, you will craft and execute compelling communication strategies aligned with the University's vision. By collaborating with senior leadership and key stakeholders, you will proactively manage reputational risks, amplify research achievements, and build strong partnerships. Your expertise in developing and delivering integrated communication campaigns will be crucial in achieving the University's strategic goals.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications, media and stakeholder engagement strategy to proactively position the University’s research, outcomes and achievements, along with related initiatives and programs.
• Provide high-level, strategic communications advice to the DVC Research, the Chancellery Research and Enterprise leadership team and other senior leaders as required, including members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Group and University Executive.
• Develop and deliver a leadership communication strategy for the DVC Research, and support other leaders as required within the research portfolio.
• Development of high-quality, journalistic content for utilisation across multiple channels, including speeches, op eds, video, social and digital content.

Who we are looking for

We seek a strategic communications leader to enhance and protect the University’s global reputation. You should have the ability to develop and implement integrated communication strategies aligned with our strategic vision, build strong relationships with key stakeholders, and proactively manage reputational risks.

You will also have:

• Extensive work experience within relevant marketing and communications field (preferably within higher education sector) and post graduate qualification in relevant discipline.
• Tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, finance, business or a related discipline (Postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline is preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills with demonstrated experience working collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels to understand and meet their communication requirements and manage their expectations
• Significant experience in the provision of strategic communications advice and senior executive support in the context of large, complex organisations  
• Proven track record managing issues and crisis management in complex environments
• Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies, spanning traditional and digital media, and internal and external audiences, domestically and globally
• Deep knowledge and application of digital media platforms, with a highly developed ability to proactively identify content, thought-leadership and reputation-building opportunities.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires the successful candidate to undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your new team – "Advancement, Communications and Marketing”

University’s Communications and Marketing function provides strategic, advisory and operational services to support the academic mission and the University strategy. It fosters a culture of best practice and collaboration across the University’s communication and marketing teams and stakeholders and uses data-driven insights to inform decision-making across the University.

What we offer you!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses. For more information check out our benefits page!

The University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn. 

Be yourself

The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture, and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Susan Bradley via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the contact details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: Sunday 25th of August 2024 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

Internal candidates are encouraged to speak with their managers before applying for the role.

Position Description:  Position Description - AD, Strategic Comms (Research) (1).docx

Position Description

Advertised: 12 Aug 2024 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 25 Aug 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time